CISI supports financial literacy charities with £145,000
The CISI Future Foundation has made grants totalling £145,000 to two UK-based financial literacy charities that aim to help entrepreneurs and teachers.
The charities are Ultra Education, which was given a £25,000 grant, and Just Finance Foundation, which received £120,000.
Ultra Education CIC is a community interest company which focuses on breaking down barriers for young entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.
The project supported by the CISI Future Foundation will introduce a 12 week financial literacy programme to empower and educate 60 children, aged 8-14, across three different schools in the London boroughs of Brent, Barnet, and Harrow using interactive activities and immersive experiences with financial institutions.
Just Finance Foundation is a national charity dedicated to empowering the next generation with the essential financial education they need to thrive as adults.
Created by teachers for teachers, their flagship programme LifeSavers provides high-quality CPD training, ever-expanding innovative resources, and support to education professionals to embed money lessons across the whole curriculum from PSHE to maths to drama.
The CISI Future Foundation grant will support 40 new LifeSavers schools, as well as 100 existing LifeSaver schools all across the UK including in Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and North West, East and West Midlands and the South West to access brand new specialist resources to support children with additional needs.
Julian Hall, founder and chief executive of Ultra Education CIC said: "Partnering with the CISI Future Foundation to deliver financial literacy to the most disadvantaged children in London is an incredible step forward for Ultra Education. By equipping young people aged 8-14 with the tools and knowledge to navigate their financial futures, we’re not just shaping their lives today, but empowering future generations.
"This partnership means more than just education—it’s about creating lasting change in communities where it’s needed most. Together, we are planting the seeds of confidence, resilience, and financial independence, ensuring these young people have the foundation to thrive in life."
Sarah Wallace, director of Just Finance Foundation said: “We are delighted to begin this new funding partnership with CISI and are extremely grateful for their support of our work. In addition to helping many new primary schools provide quality financial education through our LifeSavers programme, we're excited to expand delivery of our new resources tailored for children with additional needs.
"Every child deserves access to essential life skills, regardless of how they learn. These new resources will equip teachers to support more children in building essential money knowledge and skills at a crucial time in their learning journeys.”
Nick Swales, chair of the CISI Future Foundation said: “We are delighted to support both Ultra Education C.I.C and Just Finance Foundation in their delivery of financial education to schools. By our partnership with the two organisations, we have widened the opportunity for financial education to be delivered to some primary aged pupils, as well as some aged between 8 and 14.
"In addition there is provision for students with SEN and some teacher training.”
The Foundation was established in April 2022 with the objective of promoting education for the public benefit by advancing knowledge and improving skills in financial capacities and capabilities. It was awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission in December 2022.
The Foundation has opened applications for funding from other organisations aiming to improve financial literacy for next year. Applicants have until 12 January to submit their proposals.
The CISI, the professional body for CFP-qualified Financial Planners and other financial professionals, allocated £2.5m from its reserves for the new charity in 2022. The Foundation has its own governing structure separate from the CISI.